Ballet is the basis of all forms of dance, giving the dancer strength, technique, and discipline. Classical ballet requires dedication from the dancer to perfect the art, and those who study classical ballet become graceful yet strong performers in all areas of Dance. Ballet teachers must be aware of each students individual physique, and are required to work with each dancer to gain the maximum technical ability. For this reason teachers are required to study anatomy and be aware of the changes they make to the bodies of the students throughout their training.

TAP

Tap dancing has been popular through so many generations. A way to make your feet talk and use them as musical instruments. The greatest use of rhythms, when mastered in tap dancing is spectacular, and magical to watch.

Pointe Work

Not all students will be able to dance on pointe, Students must be assessed regularly to make sure that their bodies have developed the required strength to take the necessary advancement onto pointe. Technique must be very strong, and physique and posture correct before allowing a student to wear and work in pointe shoes. It is a mistake to rush into pointe work as putting a student onto pointe work too early can result in physical problems later in life. Pointe work danced correctly adds flair and grace to the ballet dancer.

Singing

A great confidence booster. Learn to sing in tune, with the correct range for your individual voice. Songs range from pop to musical theatre and classical.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyricall and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements.

National Dance

National Dance is performing a dance that is associated with that particular company e.g The Italian Tarantella. This is often a completely different style to what the dancer is used too, and often involves grand costumes and interesting music and movements. The performer is often selected for the country they are to perform by their physique and image.

Modern

Modern dance technique comes originally from the ballet syllabus. Dancers are then taught to modernize the moves, create contemporary lines and experiment with diverse styles, and choreograph unusual pieces of dance to the many various musical rhythms available. A modern dance class consists of warm up, stretching, loosening and strengthening classes, with the dancer becoming very flexible and able to move the body in many ways.

Street Dance / Freestyle

Moves taken from the street dancers, danced in tracksuits and trainers, very athletic with full use of isolations. Can includes some elements of breakdance, and looks at current Commercial Dance, e.g. MTV. Requires attitude and confidence! Danced to the latest music.

Musical Theatre

Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, drama, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an integrated whole.

Cheerleading

A fun way to dance, using pompoms. Lots of energetic moves with crazy arm lines. You can shout, cheer and chant also. Not a quiet class, but lots of fun. A must for all high school musical fans.

Lyrical

Literal translation meaning "songlike", the dancers movement must flow from one to another, with little use of isolation, and no strong impulsive work.

Character dance

Students are required to study mime and drama as part of their ballet training. When very young, they are required to show mime in their examinations, but as they grow older they have to use mime in their character dance work. This style of dance uses ballet technique, with the use of facial and body expressiveness, thus creating a character or storyline.

Greek

Greek dance is a special technique of dance that can be quite lyrical in nature. Usually refers to Greek myths and Gods/Goddess, as well as Nature subjects, such as Countryside. Greek pottery mimics the style of positions used in Greek dance.